Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Larry Nance Jr., F/C Jaxson Hayes, 2023 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2027 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
This deal would certainly shock the NBA universe. At the same time: should it? It would certainly align with these two organizations’ philosophies about rebuilding.
After all, when the Pelicans traded Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, they got a decent amount of draft capital in return. However, they were equally concerned about landing quality young players. The strategy paid off, as Brandon Ingram has been excellent for this squad.
By contrast, the Thunder did trade for Gilgeous-Alexander, but since then, they’ve seemed singularly focused on amassing draft capital.
At some point, this organization will have to choose which players they’re keeping and developing, but that point doesn’t have to come now. The Thunder could continue forward with their long-term plans by trading SGA for draft capital.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
After all, there is no singular way to rebuild an NBA team. In fact, there are conflicting philosophies as to how it’s best done. For example, many suspect the bottom will eventually fall out of the Thunder’s strategy, while others foresee a potential future dynasty in Oklahoma City.
Could this deal help get them closer to that goal?
